Five second count on a drive

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

I know I'll probably be beheaded for saying this, but you'd better check around in your area before you call this. I know what the strict letter of the law says, and I'm not saying that JR is incorrect in his interp. But I also know that some rules are called with local variations that directly contradict the book, and whether or not I or anyone else approve of this, that's the way it's done. I'd check with a local interpreter before i called this in any game.

I'll just say that there was a rather spirited discussion about whether this should be called or not. Yes, the rule is clear. But is the intent of the rule to give the ball to the defense when the offense is actively advancing toward the basket?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

I'll just say that there was a rather spirited discussion about whether this should be called or not. Yes, the rule is clear. But is the intent of the rule to give the ball to the defense when the offense is actively advancing toward the basket?

The intent of the rule is to reward good defense. If a defender is in front of a dribbler that is actively advancing towards the basket, why should you penalize them for making that good defensive play?